PLEASE NOTE: SERVICE TIME CHANGE TO 3:30
Imitation is a crucial element of one’s faith. Jesus called us to imitate him; “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34) Paul even called early believers to imitate him; “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) We need people to look to as examples of the faith. Observation, learning, and imitation are essential elements of discipleship for any individual. Churches also need examples to imitate.
The church in Antioch in Acts 11:19-30 is one of those churches. In fact, some theologians say if they were to pick one church in all of recorded history to imitate, the Antioch church would be the one. The Antioch church became the hub for international missions and ministry. Some of the great missionaries in history came out of this church. The Antioch church was also the intellectual center for the development of Christian theology during the first three hundred years of church history.
Acts 11:19-30 tells us why Antioch was such an amazing church. It all comes down to faithfulness. We will see this Sunday that the Antioch church was faithful in four distinct ways. First, people in the church were faithful witnesses for Jesus fulfilling Jesus’s call in Acts 1:8. Second, the church had faithful leadership. Barnabas was an encourager, a godly man, and historically generous. Third, the Antioch church taught and discipled its members. The great Apostle Paul was there for a year teaching! Finally, the church was faithfully generous in giving to people in need. Why wouldn’t we imitate this church!
As we continue to work our way though the book of Acts, let’s gather together this Sunday in joy. God is at work in our church. God is at work in our hearts. God is at work in His world!
Please take note of ways to gather for Sunday Service at The Rock:
1) We are meeting outside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School for our Sunday Service at 3:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, masks and Bibles! For a complete copy of our guidelines for re-opening CLICK HERE.
2) We will also be live on Facebook Live (NOT ZOOM). If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, are feeling sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick stay connected through this live-stream - CLICK HERE at 3:30 Sunday afternoon.
3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon. I will send out an email the week following with the sermon link attached.
"The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” - Acts 11:22-23
- Pastor Curt
Theological Word of the Week:
Belief
In contemporary culture this term usually refers to the acceptance of the truth of something, such as facts about Christ, with no necesarry element of personal commitment or dependence involved. In the New Testament this term ofter involves this sense of commitment (cf. John 3:16; see also “faith”).
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
We are providing live Sunday School starting Sunday, Sept. 20!
Here is the plan: Children will be with their parents for the singing portion of the service. Children will be dismissed after singing to meet with Cameron and Courtney outside near the playground outside of the auditorium. Cameron will plan a short lesson, have a group activity, and supervise some free play. At the end of the service, Cameron will walk the children back to where we meet. This is 100% voluntary for parents. Your children are also welcome to be with you during the service. We believe this can be done in a safe and organized way. All activities will be outside. Every child will be encouraged to keep their masks on. We will do the best we can to encourage distance.
-Cameron
Sermon Topic - November 22
Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy
Acts 11:19-30
“A Faithful Example”
2020 YTD